Ducati Scrambler 800 Icon 2019: the Joyvolution of a story born in 1962 [ROAD TEST VIDEO]

Five years after its launch and with over 55.000 units sold worldwide, the 800 Ducati Scrambler Icon 2019 is renewed with this new model. We told you about it in detail in a first “hot” article, now here is our story on video.

A model that characterized an era, a true icon of the Ducati world. With the "new course" of Scrambler, Ducati wanted to make it a brand in its own right and with its own strong identity, with a single objective: to speak a new language with the typical values ​​of the models that have made the history of Ducati, but with its own lifestyle, free-spirited, open to that non-conformist public defined as the "Land of Joy". A brand that enhances creativity and the sharing of positive emotions, made up of motorcycles, accessories and clothing that want to offer the possibility of expressing one's own style and way of being.

The design is confirmed, soft and sinuous, which this restyling has not upset. The front light cluster is new, inspired by that of the older sister 1.100, including the new DRL daytime light, while on the internal part we find a black metal "X", inspired by the offroad motorbikes of the 70s. The tail, now with a new saddle, flatter and more comfortable for the rider and passenger, follows the lines of the motorbike and also receives a full LED headlight, with diffusion effect, which uses a unique technology in the world of two wheels. The LED turn signals, however, now turn off automatically. The new instrumentation sees the introduction of the gear engaged and fuel level indicator, in a completely digital panel.

The predisposition for the management of the DMS (Ducati Multimedia System) makes its debut, which can be activated by purchasing the Bluetooth module as an accessory, which allows you to answer the telephone by viewing notifications of messages and incoming calls and to listen to music in complete freedom. The controls have been updated, with new latest generation blocks, as well as an adjustable clutch lever. The die-cast aluminum footpeg holders are also new. Many small refinement interventions, therefore, for the aesthetics and comfort of the new 2019 Ducati Scrambler Icon. As regards the chassis, simple but effective since its debut, it has been confirmed, with skilful refinements, also in this case. The suspension settings have been revised to ensure good comfort, both on city roads and on dirt roads, but the most important real innovation is the debut of the Bosch Cornering ABS system, which ensures total control in the event of braking with the bike folded, optimizing and reducing the necessary spaces and, with them, also reducing the risk of falling.

Small, compact and above all "desmodromic", the L-shaped twin-cylinder heart of the Scrambler, 2 valves, air and oil cooled and with a displacement of 803 cc, is capable of 73 horsepower, with a torque of 67 Nm. The new features they concern the lighter crankcases, as well as aluminum clutch and alternator covers, while it is naturally Euro 4 approved. Once we got into the saddle we discovered the new Scrambler on the magnificent strange roads of the province of Siena. We put it in first gear and set off on this itinerary made of twists and turns. The wide handlebar immediately gives a pleasant sensation of control, together with the saddle not very high from the ground, now revised and even lower. Having confirmed the excellent saddle-footpeg-handlebar triangulation, the new controls improve ergonomics, thanks also to the adjustable levers. The excellent agility qualities of the Scrambler Icon are confirmed, even on these winding roads. Worthy of note is the hydraulic clutch, with anti-hopping system. Soft on the lever and with a well-maneuverable gearbox, in perfect Ducati style. The chassis allows us to underline and highlight all the particularities of this motorbike, which proves to be fun and easy, both for a male and also for a female audience. The Scrambler is "a toy", which conveys the sensation of having always driven it and which can be driven effortlessly by anyone. The engine also has a homogeneous and peak-free delivery, both for the more experienced two-wheelers.

Torque and power are in fact "just right", ideal so as not to scare you, but without becoming a boring bike, on the contrary. As chef Cannavacciuolo would perhaps say in the kitchen, it is a perfect mix between tradition and modernity that blends in terms of usability and pleasure. By the way, the ease of driving and the moderate weight, we are talking about 185 kg in running order, allow you to correct any errors when entering corners, simply by shifting your body weight and lightly touching the brakes. Speaking precisely of braking, the Scrambler offers good modulation, while the new Cornering ABS further protects you from the pitfalls of less than perfect asphalt, even when cornering. On the suspension front, from our point of view, compared to the previous version, they have improved a lot. Even if they have changed little, they now manage not to make the roughness of the road surface noticeable and guarantee excellent filtering, even when driving off-road. In conclusion, the Scrambler Icon confirms itself as an easy, fun and well-made motorbike, which improves in detail and is refined, to be even more pleasant and satisfying. A defect? It's difficult to find any important ones, perhaps the only one is the heat coming from the engine, exhaust side, but taking into account the very hot day of our first contact, normally it might be less noticeable. The new Ducati Scrambler Icon 2019 is priced at 8.990 ex-dealership and is available in both the classic "'62 Yellow" color and the new "Atomic Tangerine" color, with black frame and black saddle with gray frame. It will be on sale as early as next October.

Tester clothing:
Helmet: Caberg Ghost
Jacket: OJ Garage Man, 4 seasons
Gloves: OJ Spin Black/Yellow Fluo
Shoes: OJ Sneaker Move
Jeans: OJ Friction Man 4 seasons